Hacked relatives DNA information could expose your genetic secrets

The genetic information of hundreds of thousands of Britons could be revealed through ‘hacking’ into the DNA of their relatives who sign up for genome projects, it has been warned.

Scientists have shown that it is possible to work out the identities of anonymous people who participate in genetic research studies by cross-referencing their data with publicly available information.

And they have found that the genetic data of their relatives can also be inferred, even if they have never signed up for a study.

It could mean that highly personal information, such as a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or muscular dystrophy could be discovered, even if they do not know it themselves.